Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

Tennessee · Southeast

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

Forest

Best Seasons

Spring Fall Winter

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-April

About This Location

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is a productive birding destination in Tennessee, with 253 species recorded on eBird. This forest habitat attracts Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, and Red-shouldered Hawk among many others. Mild winters attract waterfowl and sparrows, while spring and fall migration bring neotropical songbirds.

Location

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Notable Species

Wood Duck Turkey Vulture Red-shouldered Hawk Red-bellied Woodpecker Downy Woodpecker

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/4/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

American Tree Sparrow

Spizelloides arborea

3/4/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

3/2/2026Wapanocca NWR1 observed

Tree Swallow

Tachycineta bicolor

3/1/2026Shelby Farms Park--Gardner Rd. Gardens1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

33/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

23/1/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

33/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/1/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

43/1/2026

Carolina Chickadee

23/1/2026

Tufted Titmouse

53/1/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

13/1/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

23/1/2026

Brown Creeper

23/1/2026

Carolina Wren

23/1/2026

Brown Thrasher

13/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

13/1/2026

White-throated Sparrow

43/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

83/1/2026

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

22/28/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

32/28/2026

Northern Flicker

22/28/2026

Birding Tips

1
Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.
2
Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.
3
Check for wintering sparrows in brushy edges from November through February.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

More in Tennessee

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Elevation-diverse Appalachian park with northern breeding species and rich warbler variety.

Amnicola Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 203 recorded species.

Barkley Wildlife Management Area

Wetland birding hotspot in Tennessee with 205 recorded species.

Tennessee Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Tennessee →

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for birding?▼

The best months to visit Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for birding are October-April. The best seasons are Spring and Fall and Winter.

What birds can I see at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park?▼

Notable species at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park include Wood Duck, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports forest habitats.

How difficult is birding at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park?▼

Birding at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park?▼

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.